Recently while finishing the last few binding stitches on a Halloween quilt that I started more than a year ago, my thoughts wandered to Christmas and what I could do to make the holiday season feel more personal, less commercial. My husband frequently laments about the appearance of Christmas decorations long before Halloween and I'm sure you have heard similar complaints. I'm not sure I have a solution, but I always feel that sewing, crafting and creating some of our gifts and decorations add to the enjoyment of the season. With that in mind, we present some of the wonderful projects we have available so you can add your own personal touch to your holidays.

Don't Forget our 18% Off

October 18th Birthday Sale18% offall regular priced itemsMonday, October 18th(see coupon at the bottom of the email)

Looking for a way to put the spirit back into the holidays? Nothing could be more fun than hand crafting ornaments or "dolls". Luckily, we have the very talented Kae Rockwood to help our local customers perfect their doll making skills. We also have patterns available for those who would like to create these adorable "elves" on their own.Little Helper Elves

One of Kae's students, Ellen Starr, recently shared with us her Santa made during a class several years ago. The Santa stands approximately three feet tall, wears a quilted robe, sports a llama fiber beard and mustach, and carries a velveteen purse and Santa bag. Ellen says that she adds something new each year to make this a special tradition in their holiday decorations.

Whether it dolls, pillows or a wool craft project, it's not too late to create something special for your holidays!

We couldn't resist this darling stuffed dog and have now gone wild over the kitty too. From Needlecraft Magazine, Dec. 1928: "The very young set of the last generation...knew these adorable playthings as 'rag dolls'. Remember? And how we did love and cherish them, homemade and homely though they were! ...One mother of four wee ones says..that there is nothing that gives them half as much joy, no matter what the cost in dimes or dollars as does the inexpensive stuffed plaything new and "different".

We think you'll enjoy making these adorable dogs & cats as much as you'll love gifting them.

These fun pillows can add a touch of merriment to your holiday decor and continue to add cheer after the holiday decorations are packed away. Our appliqued "Mittens" pillow kit comes with all the wool needed to complete the front and back of this 14 inch pillow. Our fun loving "Let It Snow" pillow kit, (see below) measuring 18" X 18", comes with Woolies flannels to complete the front and back plus wool for some of the applique.

These charming little 18" round (well, sort of round) are just perfect for your holiday table or end table. Small enough to be doable, yet charming enough to make a wonderful gift for a favorite friend or relative.

The kits come with all the wool for the background, flannel and wool for applique, and colored flosses for stitching. Appliques can be fused, stitched or both. You can add a flannel backing to hide stitches or leave as is.

"No connoisseur of aprons would ever recommend being satisfied with just the practical, workaday kind one must have, be they ever so smartly made and good to look upon. Hostess aprons to don swiftly and becomingly when serving refreshments in a dress-up gown after bridge or on Sunday evening - just for example - ought to be a part of every well-aproned woman's wardrobe; and even the mere man, who seldom comments on a new frock,will often raise an interested eyebrow at a new and becoming apron."

As we head in to the holiday season - yes it is so! - we hope you'll fill your quilting needs from our catalog of ideas, our website and our store. Our Maywood Woolies flannels are our customers' favorites, and ours too. Come be inspired through the cold months with projects sure to keep you, and yours, warm.

As always, we appreciate your continued patronage, we love our customers to show and tell, and we pledge our best in customer service.

Sincerely,

Geri, Patsy and the Pine Cones

The Pine Needle

Save 18%

It's October's birthday time and you get the gift! To celebrate our 18th year in business, you receive 18% off all regular priced items in the store.* One day only!